Rafael Nadal Opens up on the Way He Wants Himself to Be Remembered in Tennis After Emotional Roland Garros Tribute Ceremony

20 years ago, Rafael Nadal won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal Opens up on the Way He Wants Himself to Be Remembered in Tennis After Emotional Roland Garros Tribute Ceremony

Rafael Nadal (via X)

In Malaga, when Rafael Nafal graced the tennis court for the last match of his professional career, he spoke about how he wanted to be remembered as “a good person from a small village in Mallorca”. Six months later, after his tribute ceremony at Roland Garros, the ‘King of Clay’ reiterated a similar virtue. 

Nadal’s career spanning over two decades has been a testament of his humility. He not only won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a remarkable record 14 titles at Roland Garros but also won the hearts of millions, inspired a new generation of champions such as the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, and opened up avenues for rising talents with his tennis academy. Nadal said, via Roland Garros press conference:

The results are results. Of course I’ll be remembered for what I did on court. That’s gonna stay there, without a doubt. To the bigger audience, you can in some way lie, but you can’t lie to the people who are next to you every single day. I’m not talking about family. I talk about team. People who work behind the scenes. They are able to see you every single day, how you react. How you are after losing, after winning. How you behave during all these moments. The drivers. The ball kids…

Nadal also emphasized upon the importance of behavior and the way one reacts after winning and losing. Known for his simplicity and calm composure, Nadal had never broken a racket in his career. He added:

At the end, I want to be remembered as a guy that people are happy when I come back to the places. To see me again. That’s the thing. That’s the important thing. When you are retired and you don’t go to the places for a while, if you feel that people who are working behind the scenes, that they know how you are in real life, these people want to see you again and they’re happy to see you again, it’s good news. And I had that feeling in almost every place.

Since his retirement, Nadal has not visited any tournament other than the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah which he did so in the capacity of an ambassador of Saudi Tennis. However, he has been a part of a few award ceremonies and business ventures. Whatever be the occasion, Nadal’s presence has always been greeted with great respect and delight. 

Big 4 reunited at Rafael Nadal’s tribute ceremony

Rafael Nadal received a beautiful homage by the Roland Garros on 25th May 2025. The date is of great significance to both Nadal and the tournament, as 20 years ago i.e. on 20th May 2025, Nadal just ten days shy of his 19th birthday played his first ever Roland Garros match. He later went on to win the tournament that year, and eventually cemented an unparalleled legacy with 14 titles here, culminating at the 2022 edition. 

Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic
L-R: Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

The tribute ceremony at Court Philippe- Chartier was extremely evocative. Nadal’s former rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were also invited to share the space on court with him. Nadal’s footprint was etched forever on the clay court, a fitting tribute for the finest player to have ever stepped on the surface. 

Iga Swiatek speaks about her experience at the ceremony

Along with numerous fans, the ceremony was attended by Rafael Nadal’s parents, his sister, his wife, his son, his coach and uncle Toni Nadal and several other active and retired tennis players like Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Yannick Noah. 4 time Roland Garros champion Swiatek, recalled her experience at the ceremony, during a press conference. Iga Swiatek said, via. Roland Garros press conference:

I wouldn’t call it serious crying, but for sure there were tears like twice during the ceremony. I really tried to hold it together so I don’t look that bad. It was an amazing ceremony, and I’m happy Roland Garros did this for Rafa. I’m happy the whole tennis world had an opportunity to come together and thank him. Because we all should be grateful for everything he’s done. It’s pretty abstract seeing him now on the court after so many years of fight and just grinding through everything. He’s the GOAT. I’m happy I was there.

Carlos Alcaraz Iga Swiatek Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz Iga Swiatek Rafael Nadal (via X)

Other prominent sportspersons also attended the ceremony such as former Spanish basketball player and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol, and PSG star Achraf Hakimi. The crowd donned special commemorative burgundy ‘Merci Rafa’ t-shirts.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Moved by the Emotional Roland Garros Tribute to ‘Idol’ Rafael Nadal